Stroke Prevention

You may be able to reduce your risk of Stroke by making changes to modifiable risk factors.

General Guidelines for Preventing Stroke

• Do not smoke; if you smoke, quit.
• Eat a healthful diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Take your medications as directed.
• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Take low dose aspirin if recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes.

Do Not Smoke; If You Smoke, Quit

Extensive research has established Tobacco Use Disorder as a risk factor for stroke and Heart Attack. If you smoke, you will need to quit.

Eat a Healthful Diet

A dietlow in saturated fat , trans fat, and cholesterol, and rich in whole grains , fruits, and vegetables will help lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and body weight-three stroke risk factors. Ask your doctor or dietitian for a balanced meal plan.

Exercise Regularly

Follow your doctor's recommendations for physical activity. Choose exercises you enjoy and will make a regular part of your day. Strive to maintain an exercise program that keeps you fit and at a healthy weight. For most people, this could include walking briskly or participating in another aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes per day.

Take Medications as Directed

High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol increase your risk of having a stroke. Take blood pressure and cholesterol medications as directed by your doctor.

Lose Weight, If You Are Overweight or Obese

Being overweight or Overweight is associated with higher risk of stroke, and losing weight lowers that risk. To lose weight, consume fewer calories than you expend. To maintain a healthy weight , eat an equal number of calories as you expend.

Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation

Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism raises your risk of stroke, but it appears that moderate alcohol intake actually reduces the risk. Studies have determined that one to two drinks a day can be beneficial to your cardiovascular system. Experts agree that if you do not already drink alcohol, you don't need to start because of this recommendation. If you do drink alcohol, talk with your doctor to determine how much is healthy for you.

Take Aspirin If Recommended by Your Doctor

Aspirin can help prevent Heart Attack and Stroke. It reduces stroke risk by about 25% due to its ability to inhibit blood clotting. Aspirin is not a good choice for you if you have bleeding problems, aspirin allergies, Peptic Ulcer , or any other specific reasons you should not take aspirin. Before you begin taking aspirin, talk to your doctor about any possible risks.

Manage Blood Sugar If You Have Diabetes

If you have diabetes , you are at increased risk of vascular disease. The tighter you control your blood sugar levels, the slower vascular disease (and other complications) will advance. Work with your doctor and a dietitian to develop a diet and exercise plan that will help you control your blood sugar. Your doctor may recommend that you take new or additional medications to help you maintain tighter control of your blood sugars.